Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

Gods_forebearance

Those who have been found worthy of using things as they ought to be used
should in all humility give heartfelt thanks to God, for by His grace they have
been freed from what is contrary to nature and from the transgression of the
commandments. We, however, who are still subject to the passions and who still
misuse things, and who therefore act in a manner that is contrary to nature,
should tremble and in all gratitude should give heartfelt thanks to our
Benefactor, astonished at His unutterable forbearance, in that though we have
disobeyed His commandments, misused His creation and rejected His gifts, He
endures our ingratitude and does not cease to confer His blessings on us,
awaiting until our last breath for our conversion and repentance. REF:St. Peter of Damaskos, "God's Universal And Particular Gifts", from G. E.
H. Palmer, Philip Sherrard, and Bishop Kallistos Ware, "The Philokalia: Vol.
III," (London: Faber and Faber, 1984), pp. 172 - 173.